Final answer:
The organelle responsible for organizing and segregating chromosomes during animal cell division is the centrioles. These structures form a spindle that attaches to chromosomes, enabling the cell to divide properly.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an animal cell is ready to divide, the organelle responsible for making long fibers that attach to chromosomes is known as the centrioles. These are essential for the organization and segregation of chromosomes during cell division. Without centrioles, the cell would not be able to properly divide, and this could lead to the cell's death. During the first and longest phase of mitosis, prophase, centrioles move to opposite poles of the cell and begin to form a spindle made of microtubules. These fibers are critical for aligning chromosomes during metaphase and for their subsequent separation into daughter cells. Although the exact function of centrioles in cell division isn't completely clear, as cells can still divide without them and plant cells do not have centrosomes yet are capable of cell division, they are notably important in animal cells for the process.